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Seattle mag got a chance to sit in on the very first rehearsal for the Intiman's upcoming summer festival of shows this morning. Being the type of event at which everyone wears name-tags, we didn't see much in the way of rehearsing. But we did hear a lot about the four plays (directed by Allison Narver, Valerie Curtis-Newton, Dan Savage and Andrew Russell). We also learned who would be acting in them.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you about any of that. It's all very top secret still.

Gather 'round, Seattleites! I’m teaching a cocktail class July 20 & 21 -- same class twice -- at the effervescent and ebullient Pantry at Delancey, where the drinks are delicious, the snacks are snacktastic, and the staff is stellar.

Having a little late breakfast with my young son yesterday at the always delicious Geraldine's (I've said it before and I'll say it again: the ricotta pancakes with strawberries are better than any other pancakes in town), I happened to pick up a flyer for Bo Ramen.

Spring! Creative juices really begin flowing this time of year and the enjoyment of food and beverage begins turning up in all sorts of new and wonderful places. Here are a few upcoming events that really exemplify that spirit.
Leap Ahead of Extinction at Willows Lodge

MUST EXPLORENFFTY - National Film Festival for Talented YouthSee more than 200 documentaries, shorts and features by filmmakers ages 22 and younger at this three-day film fest, which showcases work from around the world. Plus, new this year: the Film Expo (4/27-4/28; Seattle Center Exhibition Hall) is an opportunity for budding filmmakers to attend panels and network with film-industry professionals, organized in conjunction with the World’s Fair “Next 50” celebration.

We all know that a little R&R with our girlfriends is the golden ticket to staying sane during the madness that is motherhood. With Mother's Day around the corner, we can't think of a better way to celebrate being a mom than by splurging on one of these five sweet escapes with your fave gal pals. After all, the amount of hours you've spent watching the kids while hubby was golfing, traveling for business, or at work, pretty much entitles you to a little girls-only time -- we're talking sleeping in past 8:00am, mani pedis, and of course, bubbly.

This Friday (April 27), tickets go on sale for the annual Zoo Tunes concert series, always staged on a grassy lawn at Woodland Park Zoo. From a young virtuoso ukelele player to long-time crooner Melissa Etheridge touting a new album, the artists this year (as always) represent a good mix, if you like folk, country, jazz or world music.

Seattle magazine is the media sponsor for the Space Needle's 50th Anniversary celebration (ongoing through October). And we're glad to help spread the word about the "tastiest" event they've come up with since since their local brewery competition.

You could say that Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has started a war of wine words.On Monday, while announcing funding for a new $5 million wine research center in Richland, she uncorked a story about a recent trade mission to Europe.
“Someone asked me what about California wine, and I said they make jug wine. We make fine wine!” Her comment drew cheers and laughter.

Time to whip out your preferred datebook method—an old-fashioned calendar, email notification alerts or ink written on the back of your hand (just me on that one?) —and mark down these stylish stops in the coming weeks:

This weekend, kicking off as early as 7:30am for some (and 10am for the rest of us), Seattle Center shall spilleth over with installations, exhibits, performances, and food trucks - all assembled to celebrate the much-anticipated 50th Anniversary of Seattle's 1962 World's Fair (you may have heard of it).

Every year, when the first 70 degree day hits, Seattleites go completely bonkers. Swimming, boating and water skiing on Lake Washington, playing beach volleyball on the shores of Alki Beach in skimpy shorts and tank tops, and sunning themselves in patches of ardent green near Green Lake--it's all about to go down. If you're new to these parts, here's a tip: 70 Seattle degrees equals 90 anywhere-else degrees.